After the Nazi occupation of Paris, a talented jeweller, Joseph Haffmann, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers one of his employees the chance to take over his store until the conflict subsides.
The legendary Daniel Auteuil gives one of his most superlative screen performances in the gripping new historical drama from writer/director Fred Cavayé, based on Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s celebrated, multi Molière Award-winning play. Occupied Paris, 1941: all members of the Jewish community are instructed to come forward and identify themselves to authorities. Dedicated jeweler Joseph Haffmann (Auteuil), fearing the worst, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers his employee François Mercier (Gilles Lellouche) the chance to take over his store until the conflict subsides. But his own attempts to escape are thwarted, and Haffmann is forced to seek his assistant’s protection. It’s a risky proposition for both men, and one that Mercier’s wife Blanche (a wonderful Sara Giraudeau) is skeptical of. As the couple move into the Haffmann home, the agreement turns into a Faustian bargain, one that will forever change the fate of all…
Starring Daniel Auteil, Gilles Lelouche, Sara Giradeau
Critics 100% on Rotten Tomatoes / Audience 98%
Director and co-writer Fred Cavayé weaves a claustrophobic, twisty tale of the best and worst of humanity, slowly ratcheting up the tension toward a stunning climax. Orlando Weekly
Taking off as a thriller with a few dramatic flourishes, the film settles into a constant and well-executed suspense that leans into the brilliant trio of performers. The Nation
In other hands, this could have become far too schmaltzy, or impenetrably dark. Cavaye has struck exactly the right balance and tone here to ensure it is instead a haunting, at times harrowing and highly engrossing drama. Stuff Magazine
As the Nazis close in on Paris, three reluctant housemates fight their own catastrophic war. Andiee Pavior
